VOLBEAT’s MICHAEL POULSEN Opens Up About How Boxing Helped Him Turn His Life Around

Volbeat frontman Michael Poulsen recently joined Side Jams with Bryan Reesman for a candid conversation about his love of boxing – and how the sport ultimately helped him overcome alcoholism and get his life back on track.

Boxing has been part of Poulsen's life since childhood. He recalled how, when his father wasn’t spinning classic '50s rock, the television would be tuned to old boxing matches. His dad had even stepped into the ring himself as a younger man, and Poulsen dabbled in the sport as a teenager before ultimately choosing music as his path. But years into the rock lifestyle, the physical toll began to mount.

"It came to a point during Volbeat's career where I was drinking way too much," Poulsen admitted. "I can honestly say that I became an alcoholic."

The turning point came through an unlikely source: Danish boxing champion Mikkel Kessler, a personal friend of Poulsen. The two had previously collaborated when Volbeat wrote the track "A Warrior's Call" in honor of Kessler. But this time, Kessler stepped in with some much-needed tough love.

"Mikkel Kessler, the Danish boxing champion, who was my friend at that time… he said to me, 'Michael, it's time for you to put that booze on the shelf and get in good shape. You're drinking too much. You're getting fat, and mentally it's destroying you.'"

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(Source Metal Injection)